The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery - podcast cover

The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery

Chuck and Chrisortho.wustl.edu
The Upper Hand Podcast feature Charles Goldfarb and Chris Dy from Washington University Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Our weekly podcast will discuss all things hand surgery, from the technical aspects of what we do (diagnosis, treatment) to our more personal approaches to events and opportunities that hand surgeons experience. We welcome feedback and audience engagement. We are grateful for the muscial contribution of @iamPeterMartin.
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Episodes

Artemis II and Being the Best Resident

Chuck and Chris spent a few minutes discussing Artemis II. So many interesting discussion points from this mission around the moon- we focus on selection criteria for competitive jobs (like astronauts and orthopedic residents)! In addition, we hit the highlights from Rick Wright's visit as a Leadership lecturer. Rick spoke on 'How to be the best resident and attending' and we all learned a great deal. Chris and Chuck break this down. The Artemis II Effect: When Everyone Is Brilliant, Character B...

Apr 12, 202635 minSeason 7Ep. 7

Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures

Chuck and Chris discuss volar plating for distal radius fractures. What are the alternatives, what are some technical pearls, and more. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/...

Mar 29, 202635 minSeason 7Ep. 6

Interesting Travels and Listener Feedback

Chuck and Chris share interesting information about Chuck's trip to India for the World Congenital Symposium and Chris' visit to the Curtis National Hand Center as a Visiting Professor. Then they discuss a listener's concern about their discussion of operating room efficiency/ Chuck's trip to Atlanta. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper ...

Mar 15, 202633 minSeason 7Ep. 5

JHS Spotlight, Part 2: Age and Nerves, Epitendinous Repair, and Weight bearing CT / SLIL

Chuck and Chris begin a new initiative working with The Journal of Hand Surgery on a quarterly journal club. Nash and Macerena will choose the articles from the previous quarter and Chris and Chuck will review the articles and discuss practical implications. This first episode includes discussion of the following articles from Q4 of 2025: Porche KM, Spinner RJ, Bishop AT, Pulos N, Shin AY. Age-Related Effects on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. J Hand Surg Am. 2025 Dec;50(12):1498-1504. PMID: 4081...

Mar 08, 202631 minSeason 7Ep. 4

JHS Spotlight, Part 1: Basal joint arthritis, telemedicine, and GLPs

Chuck and Chris begin a new initiative working with The Journal of Hand Surgery on a quarterly journal club. Nash and Macerena will choose the articles from the previous quarter and Chris and Chuck will review the articles and discuss practical implications. This first episode includes discussion of the following articles from Q4 of 2025: Portney DA, Lee CP, Wolf JM, Strelzow JA, Stepan JG. A Changing Landscape in Surgical Treatment of Basilar Thumb Arthritis: Is the Rate of Denervation Increasi...

Feb 15, 202637 minSeason 7Ep. 3

Challenges with "Simple" Procedures in Hand Surgery

Chuck and Chris review common, "straightforward" surgeries in hand surgery and what might go wrong. We specifically discuss trigger finger release, dequervains release, ganglion excision and carpal tunnel release. We share our thoughts and hope for listener feedback. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkp...

Jan 29, 202634 min

Technical considerations: Ulnar Nerve and Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Chuck and Chris respond to listener submitted questions regarding cubital tunnel decompression and ulnar nerve transposition. We also discuss some nuanced cases of thumb UCL injuries. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To l...

Jan 18, 202638 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Revision Surgery for Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Chris Dy on The Resident Review Podcast

Chris goes solo on this one as we share his guest podcast appearance on "The Resident Review Podcast." The Second Look: Navigating Revision Surgery for Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndromes Revision surgery for nerve compression in the upper extremity presents unique challenges. While primary decompression procedures for conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS) are common, addressing persistent or recurrent symptoms requires a specialized approach. Dr. Dy pro...

Jan 04, 20261 hr 16 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Elbow Arthroscopy Tips and Tricks

Chuck and Chris discuss tricks and tips for elbow arthroscopy, a listener submitted topic. Learn more about indications, portal placement, and keys to success. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https:/...

Dec 21, 202541 minSeason 6Ep. 42

Clinic Efficiency and a Surgical Approach for Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Chuck and Chris discuss tips for an efficient clinic and review a surgical approach for radial tunnel syndrome and pronator syndrome treatment. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgi...

Dec 07, 202540 minSeason 6Ep. 43

Guyons Canal Decompression: Indications and Technique

Chuck and Chris discuss Guyons Canal release indications and technical pearls along with treatment of hook of the hamate fractures. Also, Chris and Macy's book is available: https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Nerve-Transfers-Upper-Extremity/dp/3031920074 We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgi...

Nov 23, 202550 minSeason 6Ep. 42

Thought Leadership in 2025

Chuck and Chris had fun with this episode as we discuss listener comments, highlight an interesting elbow case, and take a deep dive on thought leadership based on a great piece written by Benjamin Schwartz. https://resources.nejmcareercenter.org/article/thought-leadership-101-getting-started/ Also, Chris and Macy's book is available: https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Nerve-Transfers-Upper-Extremity/dp/3031920074 We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www....

Nov 09, 202546 min

Local Only Hand Surgery, Pearls and Challenges

Chuck and Chris discuss their approach to local only surgery include some basic pearls, building on previous episodes. They also discuss some local challenges including insurance companies. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery...

Oct 26, 202532 min

ASSH Annual Meeting in Vancouver Live Podcast

Chuck and Chris host a live podcast in Vancouver at the ASSH Annual Meeting. Listen in for some fun and lively discussion about topics pertinent to all including dupuytrens, distal radius fractures and more! We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for periph...

Oct 12, 202550 min

ASSH Annual Meeting Preview with Meeting Chairs Lindley Wall and Carl Harper

Chuck and Chris are joined by the co-chairs of the ASSH Annual Meeting, Lindley Wall and Carl Harper. They share insights on ALL of the exciting plans for the robust annual meeting in Vancouver. Join us and get excited about the. meeting with a few insider tips. We mention a new book about Sterling Bunnell. If you are not going to the meeting and would like to purchase a copy, use this link. https://american-society-for-surgery-of-the-hand.myshopify.com/products/dr-sterling-bunnell-from-son-of-t...

Sep 28, 202535 min

Tennis Elbow with Macy Stonner

Chuck and Chris are joined by podcast regular Macy Stonner to discuss tennis elbow. Macy shares therapy perspectives on 'LET'. We also hear about about therapy for free functioning muscle transfers. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serv...

Sep 14, 202542 minSeason 6Ep. 17

Pearls and Challenges: Carpal tunnel, practice efficiencies, and the ulnar wrist

Chuck and Chris discuss the ulnar wrist, some listener submitted pearls on carpal tunnel release and close with a discussion of practical tips for an efficient practice. Join us to hear our thoughts and always feel free to share yours at handpocast@gmail.com We mentioned this article as a key physical exam assessment: Ruland RT, Hogan CJ. The ECU synergy test: an aid to diagnose ECU tendonitis. J Hand Surg Am. 2008 Dec;33(10):1777-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.08.018. We are in need of a podcast ...

Aug 31, 202541 minSeason 6Ep. 16

Handling Referrals Plus Tips and Tricks for Common Surgeries

Chuck and Chris discuss a listener submitted query around handling referrals. We also discuss our tips and tricks around common surgeries including carpal tunnel release, trigger ringer release, and ganglion excxision. Join us to hear our opinions and always feel free to share yours at handpocast@gmail.com We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The U...

Aug 17, 202540 min

AIN Palsy and Advice for New Fellowship Grads

Chuck and Chris discuss fellowship graduation, a case of AIN palsy, and advice for new fellowship graduates as the establish their practices. Join us to hear our opinions and always feel free to share yours at handpocast@gmail.com We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovati...

Aug 03, 202543 minSeason 6Ep. 20

Are the 'simple' diagnoses in hand surgery really that simple?

Chuck and Chris discuss "simple" diagnoses that may be overlooked in residency and fellowship training. Diagnoses like mucous cysts, ganglion cysts, and carpal boss. We definitely do not agree on management on many of these. Join us to hear our opinions and always feel free to share yours at handpocast@gmail.com Also, we are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportun...

Jul 20, 202538 minSeason 6Ep. 19

The Carpal Bones, More Fun Than You Think

Chuck and Chris discuss their thoughts/ the relevance of each of the carpal bones and we promise this episode is more fun that you may think . We discuss how we think about each bone, the pathology associated and the interventions we consider. Thanks to all those who have taken our survey. For those who have not, please take 2 minutes and help us to better understand your preferences and help us understand how we can continue to improve the podcast! The survey will close on Friday July 11th . Fo...

Jul 06, 202543 minSeason 6Ep. 18

Chuck and Chris Talk Distal Biceps Ruptures

Chuck and Chris discuss a new topic- distal biceps rutpures. This is one of Chuck's favorite procedures but a little out of the day to day for Chris. We discuss anatomy and treatment options including surgical technique. Thanks to all those who have taken the survey. For those who have not, please take 2 minutes and help us to better understand your preferences and help us understand how we can continue to improve the podcast! For those who complete the survey and share their email, we will have...

Jun 22, 202533 min

CMCs, OCDs, and Leadership

Chuck and Chris discuss a number of stimulating topics. First up, Chuck shares a case of a large elbow osteochondritis dissecans lesion and the latest in treatment techniques. Next we discuss a listener submitted question on CMC pain in a young patient. And finally, we discuss an HBR article on leadership, particularly pertinent in 2025. Join us! HBR “The Work of Leadership”. Ronald A. Heifetz and Donald Laurie Reprint R0111K; Best of HBR, 2001 We have a brand new survey! Please take 2 minutes a...

Jun 08, 202543 min

Nerve Conference, B-School, and Complex CMC Arthritis

Chuck and Chris catch up on nerve conferences, business school, and review a difficult CMC arthritis case. Join us! Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/. Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X...

May 25, 202539 minSeason 6Ep. 15

Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Surgeries

Chuck and Chris discuss a few of their favorite surgeries and some that are not so favorite right now. We invite you to share your favorites and any tips or tricks that you value. Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https:/...

May 11, 202531 minSeason 6Ep. 14

What's New in Hand Surgery, 2025 Part 2

Chuck and Chris discuss the new JBJS article, What's New in Hand Surgery, written by Drs Wager and Suh. Lots of great content in Part 2 on many topics including distal radius fracture, nerve injury, arthroscopy, arthroplasty and so much more. Citation Wager ER and Su N. What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery. JBJS 2025; 107:543-51 Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. Th...

Apr 27, 202532 minSeason 6Ep. 42

Whats New in Hand Surgery, 2025

Chuck and Chris discuss the new JBJS article, What's New in Hand Surgery, written by Drs Wager and Suh. Lots of great content in Part 1 on many topics including scaphoid fractures, SL injuries, and nerve compression. Citations Wager ER and Su N. What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery. JBJS 2025; 107:543-51 Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand Podcast is s...

Apr 13, 202534 minSeason 6Ep. 41

IFSSH Day 5, Friday March 28th, 2025

Chuck and Wee Lam preview Friday, Day 5 of the IFSSH. This is the final day but there is plenty of content. Chuck and Wee also recap the meeting and highlight the 2028 IFSSH Meeting in Singapore! Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/. Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X0Gq89 As always, thanks to @iampeter...

Mar 27, 202513 minSeason 6Ep. 41

IFSSH Day 4, Thursday March 27th, 2025

Chuck and Wee Lam preview Wednesday, Day 4 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including the Swanson Lecture with Pioneer Fu-Chan Wei and the Gala at the National Portrait Gallery Thursday evening. Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/. Subscribe to our news...

Mar 26, 202511 minSeason 6Ep. 39

IFSSH Day 3, Wednesday March 26, 2025

Chuck and Wee Lam preview Wednesday, Day 3 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including a Therapist Keynote Speaker: The Innovator in You and the Surgeon Presidential Guest Lecturer, Tony Smith, speaking on his quest to learn more about Sterling Bunnell and the book that has resulted. Use the App and plan your day carefully because there is an incredible amount of high level content taught by the international speakers. Please complete our surv...

Mar 25, 202511 min
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